2021 NFL Draft: Best fits for Zach Wilson, Justin Fields and other QBs

Trey Lance/Panthers

Another team looking for a long-term solution at quarterback in the 2021 NFL draft is the Carolina Panthers. They aren’t alone. The New England Patriots are also in search of a quarterback, as are the Jets, the 49ers, the Broncos, and a bunch of other teams.

Teams like the Detroit Lions, who traded for Jared Goff, would also certainly think long and hard about a quarterback like Trey Lance if he’s available with the seventh pick. Some mock drafts are even making that choice of Lance to Detroit.

One thing that seems certain is that Lance will go in the top 10. At one time, he was talked about as a candidate to be the No. 1 pick, he is 6-foot-4, 225 pounds and in 2019, he didn’t throw an interception.

But he hasn’t played much football since and threw two interceptions in his only 2020 start. He’s also an FCS player, so that’s always been a question.

Plenty of other FCS quarterbacks have excelled in the NFL, so that shouldn’t be a concern. In terms of Lance, a team like New England trading up for him would be a great fit.

However, he does come with that risk and the Patriots haven’t had to draft a quarterback early thanks to Tom Brady, so we don’t know exactly what they will do.

There could be more proven players and the other issue is that a team like Carolina, which has Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback right now, could really use Lance.

The Panthers have a coach fresh out of college and an offensive coordinator too. That could lead to some fresh ideas and with Lance and Christian McCaffrey, the Panthers would have the makings of an exciting offense.